In the UK, breast cancer is less common in women from South Asian, Black, Chinese, mixed, and other communities, than in white women. But when women from these groups are diagnosed with breast cancer they face lower survival rates, later diagnosis, and different levels of care.
Between 2013 and 2018, around 87% of breast cancer cases in women in England were in white women, compared to around 3% of cases in Asian women and 2% in Black women. However, 3-year breast cancer survival rates are lower in South Asian (89%) and Black (85%) women, compared to white women (91%).
Analysis of NHS data from 2019/20-2022/23 also showed that South Asian women aged 18-71 are significantly less likely to get an early diagnosis, compared to white women. They are also at a greater risk of being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, where the disease has already spread to other parts of the body and is treatable but not currently curable.
Breast Cancer Now’s research shows that women from ethnic minority groups are less aware of and less likely to attend breast screening appointments, and they are more likely to report myths or misconceptions about breast cancer compared to white women.
Speaking about the unique challenges South Asian women face in the UK about breast cancer awareness and healthcare access, Manveet Basra, associate director of public health, inclusion and awareness at Breast Cancer Now said, “Inequalities in breast cancer are influenced by various factors, including lower screening attendance and regular breast checks among South Asian women. Previous research has shown that women from South Asian and other ethnic minority groups are much less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer through screening, and that these women are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced breast cancers with worse survival outcomes.”
Manveet emphasised about the cultural stigma and lack of awareness impact on early detection and healthcare access. She said, “In the South Asian community, the common perception is that cancer is the result of ‘karma’ kismet (fate), or represents a death sentence, and this may mean some women are more reluctant to attend screening when invited. There may also be reluctance in the community to openly discuss women’s health issues.”
“Breast screening is vital for saving lives, and it's crucial to support more women in ethnic communities to attend when invited, helping to address inequalities in early diagnosis and survival. Every year in the UK, 1,300 deaths from breast cancer are prevented through routine breast screening. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment is likely to be,” she added.
Manveet discusses the importance of breast cancer awareness and regular screening. She said, “We urge all South Asian women to attend their breast screening appointments. Early detection through screening can lead to nearly 100% survival rates. Anyone with questions about breast screening can call our free, confidential helpline, to speak to our expert nurses, who use language line interpreters if needed, on 0808 800 6000.
“It is also vital that all women are breast aware and get to know their normal through TLC – Touch, Look, Check, including between mammograms for women of screening age. There's no special technique—just take a few minutes to check for changes, whether during a shower or while moisturising. Whenever you check, it’s important to remember to check the whole breast area, up to your armpits and collarbone (upper chest) for any changes.
“While many women know that a lump can be a possible symptom of breast cancer, there are other signs of the disease to look for. These include nipple changes (including inversion, crusting or unusual discharge), dimpling, puckering or a rash on the skin of the breast or changes in size or shape of the breast. Changes in the colour of the breast may also appear differently on various skin tones. Our signs and symptoms infographics are free to download from our website.
South Asian women’s experiences with breast cancer and healthcare
Anjna Parmar 44, from London who was diagnosed with breast cancer was not fully aware of breast cancer risks and screening before her diagnosis. She said, “Before my diagnosis, I wasn’t fully aware of breast cancer risks or screening and wasn’t regularly checking for lumps. Having friends and family with breast cancer made me anxious when I found my lump. What I didn’t realise was that you should be checking your whole breast area, including your armpits and upper chest area.”
Discussing the healthcare challenges she faced due to her cultural background, she shared, "I wasn't given healthcare information tailored to the South Asian community. For instance, the nutrition advice I received didn’t consider the South Asian diet. I also lacked access to culturally specific cancer support groups and had to search for them on my own. When I finally found a group, it was inactive due to insufficient funding."
Jasmin David, 54, from Manchester, a registered adult nurse, shared her experience after being diagnosed with breast cancer: "Even though I was fully aware of the risk factors and warning signs, with no family history or other associated risks, I still sought medical help to avoid any regrets later."
Emphasising the importance of breast cancer awareness and support, she added, "Don't hide. Fear and hope are invisible. Choose hope, move forward, and seek help."
